Disney Project To Start In Fall

TALLAHASSEE — Tourists trekking to Walt Disney World for a visit may get to be in pictures -- or at least see how they`re made -- in the next few years.

Flanked by Mickey Mouse, Gov. Bob Graham and a college band, Disney officials Monday revealed details of its previously announced plans for a $300 million film studio to be built at its central Florida attraction. Groundbreaking is scheduled this fall, with construction expected to take two to three years.

In 90-degree heat, and to the tune of the Mickey Mouse Club theme song, Walt Disney Productions Chairman Michael Eisner made the announcement on the front steps of the Senate Office Building, explaining the company will enhance its Florida operation because of the state`s ``positive environment`` for filmmaking.

Last year, $187 million was spent on movie production in Florida, making it the third most active film-producing state behind California and New York.

The company, which has previously filmed its pictures in California studios, plans to make more than 15 films a year, including at least one animated film. Plans also call for producing 22 television movies a year. Disney has obtained rights to use the MGM name and ``Leo the Lion`` logo and the MGM/United Artists film library.

The new, separate-admission addition known as ``Disney-MGM Studio Tour`` will be on 100 acres south of Epcot Center and is expected to employ 1,500 new workers.

Visitors will tour movie production areas, watch Disney artists create an animated feature and participate in making TV shows. The attraction will also feature movie theme rides, the Disney Archives -- including all the company`s Oscar awards -- and a Video Playground complete with costumes for visitor photos.

Disney officials also indicated Monday that they plan to develop their 28,000 acres in central Florida to lure business and high technology industry to the area. There is also talk of developing educational facilities on the Disney property.

``It will take a century before all of Walt Disney World and those 28,000 acres are built out,`` said Frank Wells, president of Walt Disney Productions.